Lessons for Grades 11-12
Lesson Two: Nanking Massacre and Other Atrocities
Overview
Students investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Japanese Imperial Army to identify which international agreements were breached. Students express personal views about crimes committed during times of war.
We strongly recommend that
the teacher give students the following information before having
them read the articles in Handout 2.1 (Rape of Nanking and Other Atrocities)
"The articles you will be reading contain some graphic details about rape, murder and other acts of brutality. If
you feel uncomfortable reading this material, please feel free to talk to me or even leave the room if necessary." |
1. Students read about war crimes and crimes against
humanity committed by the Japanese Imperial army to identify which
international agreements were breached.
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Provide students with Handout 2.1(Timeline of Origins and Events of the Asia-Pacific War) to use as a reference in this and the other lessons in this resource.
Provide students with Handout 2.2 (Rape of Nanking and Other Atrocities). Have students read the articles and make a list of the crimes committed by the Japanese Imperial Army (e.g., biological warfare, mistreatment of POWs, sexual enslavement, forced labour, murder).
Then ask students to identify for each case which international agreements were breached. |
2. Students express personal views about crimes committed during times of war.
- Organize students into discussion groups.
- Work with students to decide on the criteria they should demonstrate in their discussions. For example:
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- communicates effectively and respects opinions of others
- refers to material presented to support personal views
-shows willingness to reassess a position as necessary if presented with new information
- identifies human rights violations and their implications both in a historical sense and using contemporary standards of behaviour |
- Present the groups with questions such as the following to encourage them to express their personal views about
atrocities committed during times of war.
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- What concerned you the most about the atrocities described in the articles? Explain your reasons.
- How did those who set up the International Safety Zone try to help the people of Nanking? What possible risks did the members of the Safety Zone face? How do you think you would react in this situation?
- Think about all of the atrocities described. What would allow such atrocities to happen?
- What lessons can be learned from the study of these historical events? |
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